LOVE this guy! The conversations you have with Micah are my favorite episodes. The passion he has for the artists he discusses is infectious! Thank you for bringing the art community such interesting and educational topics. I always learn great things.
Two moments into this podcast and I can’t help putting a vote in for Mr Christensen’s dapper dressing. Love it. So gentlemanly stylish. I feel I’m attending a lecture at a fashionable nineteenth century art academy. Brilliant.
Good talk about Vermeer, a truly amazing artist. Micah is always informative and interesting. Several years ago I read an article in the New Yorker magazine about the whole theory of the camera obscura and whether Vermeer used one. Jeff is right, it's interesting to talk about and think about but ultimately there's a lot more to painting than that. Contrary to what Micah said, I don't think anyone made an argument that using a camera obscura meant that anyone could do it. Today people have access to projectors and lots of people use them and make bad paintings. The camera obscura was a tool that became available around that time and may have been used. As a tool. As I was listening I thought that one might take a walk through museums in Florence and see gigantic murals on the walls and ceilings and a non-artist would think that it was miraculous that an artist could paint figures and animals and objects so large and lifelike. Then you might explain that the artist would do detailed drawings much smaller and then make a grid and then transfer the drawing to large paper or canvas and poke holes in the large drawing and transfer the drawing with charcoal to make large outlines for the mural. A non-artist artist might think that's cheating and say that anyone could do that. Then just ask them to show us. It's a many faceted, complicated process to create a painting, and we have many tools in our quiver. It's how you use them that really counts.
How did Vermeer manage to paint himself from behind in the last painting discussed at length? A model, a mannequin or. .....the use of 2 mirrors. This idea was never raised in the discussion. Please see the 2 videos by Nigel Konstam where I paint a demonstration using this method. A very interesting discussion anyway, thankyou to you both. ~Anne Shingleton
I don't think any fair watching of "Tim's Vermeer" could come to the conclusion that Tim Jenison is in any way concluding that making a Vermeer painting is "easy." He spends YEARS of his life in the movie trying to backwards-engineer the process that may or may not have been used. He has a specific expertise that he brings to bear (optical imaging), and he clearly LOVES Vermeer's work, and has enormous respect for the artist, however the works were made. He never says that his "copy" is "as good" or that he thinks anyone could replicate it. In fact, the movie isn't even really about Vermeer at all - it's an exploration of the kind of obsessive mind that is really, really good at problem-solving. Which clearly Vermeer was, and Tim is as well. Game recognize game.
Thanks for the comment. I shouldn’t speak for him but I think Micah’s frustration is the implication made in the documentary, likely unintentional, that if you give a man a camera obscure he can become a Vermeer. Also, I don’t think Micah believes that Vermeer used a device like Tim’s. Neither do I, although I do think he likely had some sort of devise at his disposal. I personally found the documentary really interesting and think Tim is a brilliant engineer. Thanks for listening!!!
These podcasts are the best! I actually search out the ones with you and Micah! Please do more, would you consider discussing John William Godward, Frederic Lord Leighton, or John William Waterhouse? Love getting the insight from present day artists too. Please keep doing these. Thank you!
Great podcast. I am currently doing value studies of several of Vermeer's paintings and quite a few questions have come up about the how and why of his works and working method. This podcast gave me some information that helps clarify his method and offer interesting ideas to try in my own work. Lots to think about.
This conversation makes me thing about modern conversations having to do with girds and projectors. Using these technologies can definitely assist in making a painting, but it in no way guarantees a good or high-quality final result. I always find it ironic that most of the best draftsman out there have systems like triangulation, using a plum line, sight size, etc. they have developed where they are basically taking measurements to be accurate in their drawing. This is in no way a criticism of them, but I think gridding, projecting, and using a camera obscura are valid techniques to achieve this as well. You still have to make "art" out of whatever it is you are painting, and that requires an entirely different and much more advanced skillset than producing an accurate outline.
I do wood working as well and find that every wood worker has his limits. Some will use computerized CNC machines to make parts. Others see that as not real wood working but may use power tools themselves; while the total “purist” may feel that only the use of hand tools is real wood working. It all comes down to why you do it. Don’t do it in part for that challenge of doing things that are hard with you own mind and hands or is your only goal to communicate an idea. For me it’s both, so I only draw with my eyes alone and am drawn to those that share my goals. But to each their own. Do what makes you happy and fulfills your personal goals. Just be transparent about it. Thanks for listening and the comment!
Some artists i would love to hear you and Mr.Micah to have a conversation on if ever possible ( Repin, Bertha weggman, adolph Menzil or honestly anybody) love this show 💯 best podcast on Art
Hahaha if my grandchildren try to examine my paintings in the future, they will not find any drawings… chalk on canvas or light paint sketch for stickman base. 😂At least that accounts for my painting errors. The Hobbyist artist (KS)
Micah is so excited about art, he just loves to talk about it. That’s what makes him so interesting. I’m flattered you’re interested in my point of view. Thank you!
I doubt the notion that Vermeer got the idea of pointillism from looking through mechanical devices such as the camera obscura. When one looks at the ground glass of a large format camera-a modern device with sharp optics-one is unlikely to see a point light aberration effect, as what is visible is a continuous spatial span of light, not points, especially in an interior setting like those Vermeer painted. On the other hand, whether Vermeer used a camera obscura is really a distraction. Given his artistry and skill level, as passionately described by Micah Christensen, the contribution of the camera obscura to his works, if he actually used one, should be considered limited, perhaps in improving perspective and proportion, similar to the grid system, but significantly less than the 75% suggested at times during the interview. The shades and colors, and the way he painted them, contribute greatly to achieving the realistic photographic effect, especially the depth of space in his paintings.
Oh no, someone has a differing opinion and conclusion than me.... "it needs to be aggressively destroyed". Yeah, lets not discuss Hockney's hypothesis and where his arguments are weak, lets just cancel him. Good lord.
@@theundrapedartist I was not saying anything about your podcast. The criticism is directed to Mr Christensen. I'm happy you used your platform and had the discussion with him.
LOVE this guy! The conversations you have with Micah are my favorite episodes. The passion he has for the artists he discusses is infectious! Thank you for bringing the art community such interesting and educational topics. I always learn great things.
Another great Micah podcast. your give and take with him go beyond any other podcast that I've listened to.
Another GREAT podcast! I love “geeking out” over the details! You two work well together. Thank you for these episodes!
Two moments into this podcast and I can’t help putting a vote in for Mr Christensen’s dapper dressing. Love it. So gentlemanly stylish. I feel I’m attending a lecture at a fashionable nineteenth century art academy. Brilliant.
The episodes with Dr. Christensen are just the best
Good talk about Vermeer, a truly amazing artist. Micah is always informative and interesting. Several years ago I read an article in the New Yorker magazine about the whole theory of the camera obscura and whether Vermeer used one. Jeff is right, it's interesting to talk about and think about but ultimately there's a lot more to painting than that. Contrary to what Micah said, I don't think anyone made an argument that using a camera obscura meant that anyone could do it. Today people have access to projectors and lots of people use them and make bad paintings. The camera obscura was a tool that became available around that time and may have been used. As a tool. As I was listening I thought that one might take a walk through museums in Florence and see gigantic murals on the walls and ceilings and a non-artist would think that it was miraculous that an artist could paint figures and animals and objects so large and lifelike. Then you might explain that the artist would do detailed drawings much smaller and then make a grid and then transfer the drawing to large paper or canvas and poke holes in the large drawing and transfer the drawing with charcoal to make large outlines for the mural. A non-artist artist might think that's cheating and say that anyone could do that. Then just ask them to show us. It's a many faceted, complicated process to create a painting, and we have many tools in our quiver. It's how you use them that really counts.
I just discovered this channel and I LOVE IT! Binge watching all videos soon
Welcome!!
I live for these episodes thanks so much
The most valuable discussion on Vermeer that I've heard. Thank you.
How did Vermeer manage to paint himself from behind in the last painting discussed at length? A model, a mannequin or. .....the use of 2 mirrors. This idea was never raised in the discussion. Please see the 2 videos by Nigel Konstam where I paint a demonstration using this method. A very interesting discussion anyway, thankyou to you both. ~Anne Shingleton
I didn’t bring it up because I assumed it was someone sitting in his place. Who knows though. Good thought.
Valuables insights I got from Verneers execution and design sense
I love the Micah talks
I don't think any fair watching of "Tim's Vermeer" could come to the conclusion that Tim Jenison is in any way concluding that making a Vermeer painting is "easy." He spends YEARS of his life in the movie trying to backwards-engineer the process that may or may not have been used. He has a specific expertise that he brings to bear (optical imaging), and he clearly LOVES Vermeer's work, and has enormous respect for the artist, however the works were made. He never says that his "copy" is "as good" or that he thinks anyone could replicate it. In fact, the movie isn't even really about Vermeer at all - it's an exploration of the kind of obsessive mind that is really, really good at problem-solving. Which clearly Vermeer was, and Tim is as well. Game recognize game.
Thanks for the comment. I shouldn’t speak for him but I think Micah’s frustration is the implication made in the documentary, likely unintentional, that if you give a man a camera obscure he can become a Vermeer. Also, I don’t think Micah believes that Vermeer used a device like Tim’s. Neither do I, although I do think he likely had some sort of devise at his disposal. I personally found the documentary really interesting and think Tim is a brilliant engineer. Thanks for listening!!!
Another minor correction; Vermeer's "The Art of Painting" s almost 4 feet high, not 27 inches.
These podcasts are the best! I actually search out the ones with you and Micah! Please do more, would you consider discussing John William Godward, Frederic Lord Leighton, or John William Waterhouse? Love getting the insight from present day artists too. Please keep doing these. Thank you!
I’d love those too. I’ll ask
Great podcast. I am currently doing value studies of several of Vermeer's paintings and quite a few questions have come up about the how and why of his works and working method. This podcast gave me some information that helps clarify his method and offer interesting ideas to try in my own work. Lots to think about.
Nice discussion. Girl with a Pearl Earring is so well known and my favorite.
love these.
This conversation makes me thing about modern conversations having to do with girds and projectors. Using these technologies can definitely assist in making a painting, but it in no way guarantees a good or high-quality final result. I always find it ironic that most of the best draftsman out there have systems like triangulation, using a plum line, sight size, etc. they have developed where they are basically taking measurements to be accurate in their drawing. This is in no way a criticism of them, but I think gridding, projecting, and using a camera obscura are valid techniques to achieve this as well. You still have to make "art" out of whatever it is you are painting, and that requires an entirely different and much more advanced skillset than producing an accurate outline.
I do wood working as well and find that every wood worker has his limits. Some will use computerized CNC machines to make parts. Others see that as not real wood working but may use power tools themselves; while the total “purist” may feel that only the use of hand tools is real wood working. It all comes down to why you do it. Don’t do it in part for that challenge of doing things that are hard with you own mind and hands or is your only goal to communicate an idea. For me it’s both, so I only draw with my eyes alone and am drawn to those that share my goals. But to each their own. Do what makes you happy and fulfills your personal goals. Just be transparent about it. Thanks for listening and the comment!
Some artists i would love to hear you and Mr.Micah to have a conversation on if ever possible ( Repin, Bertha weggman, adolph Menzil or honestly anybody) love this show 💯 best podcast on Art
Good suggestions! Thank you!!!
My fav guest! Would love his take on Repin
Ooh. Me too.
We need that!
This first painting is quite large I think. It’s in Scotland.
Great talk. Just a suggestion...keep the cursor off the screen unless it's needed. thanks.
Thanks for the tip
Minor correction for Mr. Christensen; Vermeer didn't live into his fifties. He was born in 1932, and died in 1675, at age 43.
1632 is the recorded date of his birth.
Maybe I missed it, but which web site are you visiting to view these images in such high resolution? thank you kindly.
Just her instagram page and professional website
Micah, you rule ! :)
Hahaha if my grandchildren try to examine my paintings in the future, they will not find any drawings… chalk on canvas or light paint sketch for stickman base. 😂At least that accounts for my painting errors. The Hobbyist artist (KS)
Shirt and tie dude, please, please allow the artist to complete a sentence. Please! I want to hear the artist’s evaluation.
Micah is so excited about art, he just loves to talk about it. That’s what makes him so interesting. I’m flattered you’re interested in my point of view. Thank you!
I doubt the notion that Vermeer got the idea of pointillism from looking through mechanical devices such as the camera obscura. When one looks at the ground glass of a large format camera-a modern device with sharp optics-one is unlikely to see a point light aberration effect, as what is visible is a continuous spatial span of light, not points, especially in an interior setting like those Vermeer painted.
On the other hand, whether Vermeer used a camera obscura is really a distraction. Given his artistry and skill level, as passionately described by Micah Christensen, the contribution of the camera obscura to his works, if he actually used one, should be considered limited, perhaps in improving perspective and proportion, similar to the grid system, but significantly less than the 75% suggested at times during the interview. The shades and colors, and the way he painted them, contribute greatly to achieving the realistic photographic effect, especially the depth of space in his paintings.
Oh no, someone has a differing opinion and conclusion than me.... "it needs to be aggressively destroyed". Yeah, lets not discuss Hockney's hypothesis and where his arguments are weak, lets just cancel him. Good lord.
My podcast, my choice. Your choice on whether to listen or not.
@@theundrapedartist I was not saying anything about your podcast. The criticism is directed to Mr Christensen. I'm happy you used your platform and had the discussion with him.